DE112010003321T5 - Swivel joint for bicycle frame suspension - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a pivot joint for a bicycle frame which has an inner bearing bush which is arranged concentrically within an outer bearing bush. The inner bearing bush has an outer bearing surface which is in rotational sliding contact with an inner bearing surface of the outer bearing bush, so that the inner and outer bearing bushings can be rotated relative to one another about a central axis of rotation in order to enable a relative rotational movement of the frame components, connected by the swivel. The inner and outer bearing surfaces each have a substantially axially extending region and at least one inclined bearing region, which defines an inclined race surface. The inclined raceway surfaces are arranged at an angle with respect to the central axis of rotation and are in bearing engagement with one another, so that a sliding plane arranged at the same angle is defined.

Description

Cross reference to related applications

The present invention claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/235149, filed on August 19, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical part

The present invention relates generally to bicycles and pivots used in particular for bicycle frame suspensions.

Background of the invention

There is a steady demand for improvements in bicycles with the aim of maximizing driver performance and comfort, increasing the durability of parts, reducing weight, etc. For this reason, bicycle components, such as suspensions, are being constantly redesigned, to use lighter components that are nevertheless durable. Many conventional mountain bike designs use ball bearings at central pivot points, e.g. B. between pivoting suspension struts. These may have replaceable ball-bearing cartridges. Although ball bearing cartridges are durable, they are relatively heavy.

In an attempt to use polymer bearing cup bearings to replace ball bearing cartridges with lighter rotational bearing materials, it has been found that it is difficult to hold conventional pivots with polymer cups because they can not be clamped without deforming the polymer cup, so that Performance of the pivot bearing shell may be adversely affected.

Therefore, there is a need for improvements to pivot joints of bicycle frame suspensions.

Brief description of the invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pivot joint for providing relative rotational movement between frame components of a bicycle, the pivot joint having an inner bushing concentrically disposed within an outer bushing, the inner bushing having an outer bearing surface which is internally journaled Bearing surface of the outer bearing bush is in rotational sliding contact, so that the inner and the outer bushing are rotatable about a central axis of rotation relative to each other to allow relative rotational movement of the connected through the hinge frame components, and wherein the inner and the outer bearing surface respectively a substantially axially extending portion and at least one inclined bearing portion defining an inclined raceway surface disposed at an angle to the central axis of rotation, wherein the inclined raceway surfaces mesh with each other he stands, so that a sliding plane arranged at the angle is defined.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle frame having a rear suspension with a first frame component and a second frame component rotatably interconnected by a pivot to permit relative rotational movement between the first and second frame components Swivel joint is a plain bearing without rolling elements and has two concentric bearing shells, wherein the bearing shells have inner and outer bushings, which are rotatable about a central axis of rotation into each other and having respective bearing surfaces, which are in sliding contact with each other, wherein the outer bearing bushing snugly against the first Frame component is mounted and the inner bearing bushing firmly is mounted on the second frame component, wherein the inner bearing bushing has a first and a second angular bearing portion, on which oblique outer bearing surfaces are defined, and wherein the outer bearing bushing has a second and a third angular bearing portion, on which inclined inner bearing surfaces are defined, wherein the oblique outer and inner bearing surfaces are in bearing engagement with each other and are arranged at a common angle with respect to the central axis of rotation, so that an inclined sliding plane is defined therebetween.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle having a front wheel, a frame and a rear wheel mounted to the frame by a rear suspension assembly, the rear suspension assembly including at least first and second frame components rotatable with each other by a hinge the rotary joint having an inner bushing concentrically disposed within an outer bushing and rotatable relative thereto about a central axis of rotation to provide relative rotational movement between the first and second frame components the second frame component, which are connected by the hinge, wherein the outer bearing bush is fixedly mounted to the first frame component, and wherein the inner bearing bush is fixedly mounted on the second frame component, wherein the inner Lagerb has an outer bearing surface, which is in sliding contact with an inner bearing surface of the outer bearing bush, wherein the outer and the inner bearing surface each having a substantially axially extending portion and at least one inclined bearing portion defining an inclined raceway surface, which at an angle is arranged with respect to the central axis of rotation, wherein the inclined raceway surfaces are in bearing engagement with each other.

Brief description of the drawings

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings; show it:

1 a partial perspective view of suspension components of a bicycle frame with a pivot joint arranged therebetween;

2 an axial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a suspension pivot joint according to the invention;

3 an exploded perspective view of the suspension pivot of 2 partly in cross section;

4 a plan view of an outer angular bearing portion of the rotary joint of 2 ;

5 a plan view of the inner angular bearing portion of the rotary joint of 2 ; and

6 a schematic axial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a rotary joint according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

1 shows an embodiment of a bicycle frame 12 at a hinge joint between two struts of a suspension of the bicycle frame 12 used pivot joint according to the invention 10 , In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge is 10 between a seat stay 11 and a chainstay 13 the rear suspension portion of the bicycle frame 12 arranged to be relatively pivotable or rotatable relative to each other. However, it is clear that the hinge described 10 can be used at any pivot point of the bicycle frame, as well as between two relatively pivotable components of other two-wheeled vehicles, such as a motorcycle.

As in the 2 and 3 is shown, has the hinge 10 an inner and an outer bearing bush 14 respectively. 15 which are concentrically fitted into each other and a relative rotational movement therebetween about a central axis of rotation 34 Allow yourself to cross the swivel 10 extends. The swivel joint 10 is a two-piece sliding bearing (ie it has no rolling elements), with its concentric shells the inner and the outer bushing 14 . 15 form, which are rotatable into each other by their respective bearing surfaces slide on each other. The inner bearing bush 14 and the outer bearing bush 15 therefore serve as inner and outer race of the through the swivel joint 10 formed bearing, without additional rolling elements are required, such as are typically used in ball bearings. As in 2 it can be seen, are the inner bushing 14 and the outer bearing bush 15 each ring-shaped and have a generally channel-shaped cross-sectional profile, which consists of a substantially parallel to the central axis 34 extending center section and opposite and in the transverse direction spaced apart inclined portions.

As shown in more detail below, consist in in the 2 to 5 illustrated embodiment, the inner bearing bush 14 and the outer bearing bush 15 actually in each case of two halves, the front side abut one another in the transverse direction. For example, the inner bushing 14 a first angular bearing portion 18 and a mirror image arranged opposite second angular contact bearing portion 24 on. Similarly, the outer bearing bushing 15 a first angular bearing portion 22 and a mirror-image arranged opposite inclined bearing portion 24 on. In the embodiment of 2 meet the angular bearing sections 18 and 20 and the angular bearing sections 22 and 24 all on a common contact level 36 on each other, which are essentially perpendicular to the central axis 34 extends and transversely through the hinge 10 is arranged in the middle. As below with reference to 6 is described in more detail, in another embodiment, the inner bearing bush 114 actually a tubular component 130 which extends axially across the full transverse width of the inner bearing bush 114 extends, and a pair of opposing angular contact bearing sections 132 on which sloping storage areas 132 are defined, which slide on the corresponding bearing surface (s) of the outer bearing bush.

Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the outer bearing bush 15 (The from the adjoining angular bearing sections 22 and 24 is made of an elastomeric material (eg, a polymer material) and therefore may be at least partially elastic while the inner bushing 14 (which from the adjoining Angular contact bearing sections 18 and 20 consists) of a metal alloy material. Therefore, in this specific embodiment, the inner bushing has 14 a greater hardness and / or rigidity than the outer bearing bush 15 , According to another embodiment, however, the outer bearing bush 15 (and thus their angular bearing sections 22 and 24 ) also of a metal alloy material. Therefore, the present hinge must 10 not necessarily have an elastomeric portion (eg, a polymer portion). Both the inner and the outer bushing 14 . 15 can therefore consist of the same or different materials. According to a further embodiment, the inner and / or outer bearing bush 14 and 15 be made of an elastomeric material such as a polymer, a plastic, a coated metal, a ceramic material, a metal alloy or any combination thereof.

Regardless of the material chosen, the inner and outer bushings are 14 . 15 but rotatable relative to each other and into each other to provide a friction-reducing pivot member through which components such as the seat stay 11 and the chainstay 13 passing through the swivel 10 connected to each other with reduced friction relative to each other and / or rotatable, without having to compromise on the stability or the durability of the rotary joint, and without causing eccentricities or other misalignments between these pivotal elements.

If the inner bearing bush 14 and the outer bearing bush 15 as in 2 are mounted within the hinge by transversely extending and mating bolts 16 and 17 held in threaded engagement with each other around the inner and outer bushings 14 . 15 between the two pivoting components of the bicycle frame in position.

The structure of the swivel joint 10 However, it is such that, regardless of the size of the tightening of the swivel joint 10 between the two rotatable components 11 . 13 of the bicycle frame 12 on these bolts 16 . 17 applied torque the inner and outer bushing 14 and 15 Do not be over-compressed, even if the outer bushing 15 made of a deformable, elastic and / or flexible material (eg of a polymer). This is at least partly due to the fact that one of the two bushings may be a load-bearing component (ie, receives a major portion of the transverse load) while the other of the two bushings is not significantly stressed in the transverse direction. For example, in the present embodiment, the inner bushing has 14 made of an alloy or other substantially rigid material in the transverse direction (ie parallel to the central axis 34 ) has a greater width than the slightly narrower outer bushing 15 , This is in 2 can be seen, in which the entire transverse width Wi of the inner bearing bush 14 is greater than the entire transverse width Where the outer bearing bush 15 , In addition, as in the 2 and 4 - 5 best seen is the angular bearing sections 18 and 20 the inner bearing bush 14 a radially protruding outer lip 35 extending circumferentially about the full circumference of the annular tapered bearing sections 18 . 20 extends. This radially protruding outer lip 35 extends radially over the outer circumference 37 the angular bearing sections 22 and 24 the outer bearing bush 15 in addition, leaving the outer bearing bush with the walls of the frame component opening 19 not in contact.

The configuration of the swivel joint 10 is therefore such that by tightening the bolt 16 . 17 only causes the two halves 18 and 20 the inner bearing bush 14 at the contact surface level 36 be forced into a closer face-to-face contact with each other, without the narrower outer bushing 15 is squeezed. In the present embodiment, in which the outer bushing is at least partially made of a polymeric material, the swivel joint is 10 Therefore, it is able to properly absorb any angular misalignment between the two rotatable components of the bicycle frame or any eccentricities caused by vibrations while passing through the bolts 16 . 17 between the two rotatable frame components reliably and firmly clamped in position is held.

As in 2 are shown, the first and the second angular bearing portion 18 and 20 that the inner bearing bush 14 form, on the inside of an opening 19 arranged in one of the rotatable frame components 13 (in the present case in a chainstay) of the frame 12 is trained. The bolt 16 extends through a central hole 21 in the two angular bearing sections 18 . 20 and is in a press-fit or press-fit engagement therewith, such that between the inner bushing 14 and the bolt 16 no relative rotation is possible. Likewise, the first and second angular bearing sections are located 22 . 24 the outer bearing bush 15 in a press-fit or press-fit engagement in a hole 23 in the second of the two rotatable frame components 11 (in this case, a seat stay) of the frame 12 , The first angular bearing section 18 the inner bearing bush 14 is therefore in bearing engagement with the Angular contact bearing section 22 the outer bushing to allow relative rotational movement therebetween. Likewise, there is the opposite angular bearing portion 20 the inner bearing bush 14 that is opposite the skew bearing section 18 is arranged, on which it abuts along an annular cutting surface in bearing engagement with the angular bearing portion 24 the outer bearing bush 15 ,

As in 4 is best seen, the skew bearing section 22 the outer bearing bush 15 a storage area that has a shallow bushing area 26 has a tubular shape and extends axially substantially parallel to the central axis, and an oblique portion 28 , which has an annular and oblique bearing race surface 29 which extends from the flat socket area 26 extends at an angle thereto, the 45 degrees from the axial and the radial plane of the bushing portion 26 may be, but other angles can be used.

As in 5 is best seen, the skew bearing section 18 the inner bearing bush 14 an inner annular spacer area 30 which is tubular and extends axially substantially parallel to the central axis, and an oblique bearing race portion 32 that has a sloping raceway surface 31 defined, extending from the inner annular spacer area 30 extends at an angle to that of the oblique bearing race surface 29 on the sloping area 28 of the storage section 22 corresponds to 45 degrees with respect to the axial and the radial plane of the inner annular spacer region in the present embodiment 30 is. The sloping storage area 29 and the corresponding oblique bearing raceway surface 31 the two mating portions of the inner and outer bushings abut each other and are slidably rotatable relative to each other about rotatable inner and outer races of the pivot joint 10 to build. The storage area 29 and the raceway surface 31 are therefore in contact with each other along an oblique and annular (eg conical) sliding plane.

The flat socket area 26 of the angular bearing section 22 the outer bearing bush 15 is in the bicycle frame 12 pressed, thereby preventing the angular bearing portion 22 turns freely when the hinge 10 turns. As a result, uneven wear of the bearing surface is avoided and allows a longer bearing life. The only sliding surface on the angular bearing section 22 is located between its sloping area 28 and the corresponding oblique raceway area 32 of the angular bearing section 18 which is in bearing contact with it. In addition, the oblique area prevents 28 of the angular bearing section 22 in that the oblique bearing raceway surface area 32 of the angular bearing section 18 from the concentricity with the central axis 34 of the swivel joint 10 slips out or slides.

The inner annular spacer areas 30 the two angular bearing sections 18 , which is part of the inner bearing bush 14 For example, a maximum inner hinge width that allows a fitter or user of the bicycle to determine the bolt 16 with a predetermined high torque value, for example, 13.56 Nm (120 in-lbs) tighten without the risk that the outer bearing bush 15 is crushed at such high torque pin torque values. This is especially useful when the outer bushing 15 is made of a relatively compressible or deformable material, such as a polymer.

As described above, the angular bearing portion is located 18 along an annular contact area 36 at a cutting plane between the two halves of the inner bearing bush 14 on the opposite (and mirror image) inclined bearing section 20 at. The construction allows one on the inner bearing bushing 14 the applied preload force will only be a function of the dimensions and tolerances of the load-receiving one of the two bushings (which in the present embodiment is the inner bushing 14 is).

According to 6 consists of the inner bearing bush 114 according to another embodiment of a tubular component 130 extending transversely axially across the full width of the inner bushing 114 extends, and a pair of opposing angular bearing sections 132 on which sloping storage areas 131 are defined, which face each other and are in sliding contact with the inner bearing surface of the outer bearing bush (not shown), so that the inner bearing bush 114 around the central axis 134 is rotatable. Although the angular bearing sections 132 in 6 are shown with a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape, it is clear that these annular angular bearing sections 132 may also have other configurations adapted to receive an end of one of the pivotable components of the bicycle frame therebetween. With regard to the rotary joint described above 10 can be the components of the inner bearing bush 114 ie the tubular component 130 and the angular bearing sections 132 , are made of the same or different materials, which may comprise a polymer, a metal alloy, a ceramic material, a coated metal, etc., provided that a substantially low-friction rotary contact between the bearing surfaces 131 the two annular bearing sections 132 the inner bearing bush and the corresponding bearing surface (s) of the outer bearing bush 115 provided.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the hinge structure of the embodiment described herein can be used not only in a bicycle but also for many other other applications with relatively rotatable components. For example, the pivot structure according to the invention could also be used in various other two-wheeled vehicles, for. B. for the suspension of a motorcycle. In addition, although described herein, the inner bushing may 14 it is clear that the widthwise wider of the two bushings is that the configuration of the inner and outer bushings can be reversed, so that the outer bushing is the bush which is wider in the transverse direction and therefore receives the majority of the preload force and torque be exercised when the (the) bolts of the swivel joint are tightened. The foregoing description is merely exemplary, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the described embodiment within the scope of the invention.

Claims (30)

A pivot for providing relative rotational movement between frame components of a bicycle, the pivot having an inner bushing concentrically disposed within an outer bushing, the inner bushing having an outer bearing surface rotationally slidingly engaged with an inner bearing surface of the outer bushing in that the inner and outer bushes are rotatable relative to one another about a central axis of rotation to permit relative rotational movement of the frame components connected by the pivot, and wherein the inner and outer bearing surfaces each have a substantially axially extending portion and at least an inclined bearing portion defining an inclined raceway surface disposed at an angle with respect to the central axis of rotation, the oblique raceway surfaces being in bearing engagement with each other such that angled Eq eite level is defined. A pivot according to claim 1, wherein the inner and outer bearing surfaces define a pair of inclined raceway surfaces facing each other and disposed transversely at opposite ends of the pivot. A pivot according to claim 2, wherein the pair of oblique raceway surfaces of the inner and outer bearing surfaces are angularly spaced between 90 and 180 degrees. A pivot according to claim 1, wherein the inner and outer bushes each consist of two halves abutting each other in the transverse direction and meeting at a contact plane which is arranged transversely in the center of the rotary joint, wherein the contact plane is substantially perpendicular to the center Rotation axis extends. A pivot joint according to claim 1, wherein at least the inner bushing consists of a tubular component extending axially across the full transverse width thereof and a pair of opposed angular bearing sections on which the inclined raceway surface is defined. The pivot of claim 1, wherein a first transverse width of the inner bushing is greater than a second transverse width of the outer bushing, wherein the inner bushing receives a major portion of the force applied to the pivot in the transverse direction. The rotary joint of claim 1, wherein the inner bushing has a radially protruding lip extending circumferentially about a circumference of the transversely disposed ends of the inner bushing. The rotary joint of claim 7, wherein the radially protruding lip of the inner bushing extends radially beyond an outer periphery of the outer bushing. A hinge according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the oblique raceway surface and the central axis of rotation is between 0 and 90 degrees. A pivot according to claim 9, wherein the angle is about 45 degrees. A pivot according to claim 1, wherein at least one bolt is received through a hole defined in the inner bushing and extending transversely completely through the bushing. A pivot according to claim 1, wherein the inner bushing has a greater hardness and / or rigidity than the outer bushing. A pivot according to claim 13, wherein the outer bearing bush is elastic. A pivot according to claim 1, wherein both the inner bush and the outer Bearing bush define a generally channel-shaped cross-sectional profile. A bicycle frame having a rear suspension with a first frame component and a second frame component pivotally connected by a pivot to permit relative rotational movement between the first and second frame components, the pivot being a plain bearing having no rolling elements comprising two concentric bearing shells. wherein the bearing shells have an inner and an outer bushing, which are rotatable into each other and about a central axis of rotation and respective bearing surfaces which are in sliding contact with each other, wherein the outer bearing bush is fixedly mounted to the first frame component and the inner bearing bushing firmly is mounted on the second frame component, wherein the inner bearing bushing has a first and a second angular bearing portion, on which oblique outer bearing surfaces are defined, and the outer bearing bush a second and a third angular contact bearing section about is, on which oblique inner bearing surfaces are defined, wherein the inclined outer and inner bearing surfaces are in bearing engagement with each other and are arranged at a common angle with respect to the central axis of rotation, so that an inclined sliding plane is defined therebetween. The bicycle frame according to claim 16, wherein each of the inner and outer bearing surfaces defines a pair of oblique raceway surfaces facing each other and disposed transversely at opposite ends of the pivot. Bicycle frame according to claim 16, wherein the inner and the outer bushing each consist of two halves which abut one another in the transverse direction end face and meet at a contact plane which is arranged transversely in the center of the rotary joint, wherein the contact plane is substantially perpendicular to the center Rotation axis extends. The bicycle frame of claim 16, wherein a first transverse width of the inner bushing is greater than a second transverse width of the outer bushing, wherein the inner bushing receives a major portion of the force applied to the pivot in the transverse direction. The bicycle frame of claim 16, wherein the inner bushing has a radially protruding lip that extends circumferentially about a circumference of the transverse ends of the inner bushing. The bicycle frame of claim 20, wherein the radially projecting lip of the inner bushing extends radially beyond an outer circumference of the outer bushing such that the outer bushing is transversely spaced from the second frame component against which the inner bushing is fixedly mounted. The bicycle frame of claim 16, wherein the inner bushing has greater hardness and / or rigidity than the outer bushing. The bicycle frame of claim 16, wherein both the inner and outer bushes define a generally channel-shaped cross-sectional profile. A bicycle having a front wheel, a frame, and a rear wheel mounted to the frame by a rear suspension assembly, the rear suspension assembly having at least first and second frame components rotatably interconnected by a pivot which rotates relative to one another between the first and second Frame component, the pivot having an inner bushing concentrically disposed within an outer bushing and rotatable relative thereto about a central axis of rotation to permit relative rotational movement between the first and second frame components connected by the pivot joint; wherein the outer bearing bushing is fixedly mounted to the first frame component, and wherein the inner bearing bushing is fixedly mounted on the second frame component, wherein the inner bearing bushing has an outer bearing surface which is connected to an inner bearing surface of the outer The bushing is in sliding contact, wherein the outer and the inner bearing surface each having a substantially axially extending portion and at least one oblique bearing portion defining an inclined raceway surface which is disposed at an angle with respect to the central axis of rotation, wherein the inclined raceway surfaces in bearing contact with each other. A bicycle according to claim 24, wherein said inner and outer bearing surfaces define a pair of said oblique raceway surfaces facing each other and disposed at transversely opposite ends of said pivot. A bicycle according to claim 24, wherein the inner and outer bushes each consist of two halves abutting each other in the transverse direction and meeting at a contact plane which is arranged transversely in the center of the rotary joint, wherein the contact plane is substantially perpendicular to the center Rotation axis extends. Bicycle according to claim 24, wherein a first transverse width of the inner bearing bush is greater than a second transverse width of the outer bushing, wherein the inner bushing receives a major portion of the force exerted on the pivot in the transverse direction force. The bicycle of claim 24, wherein the inner bushing has a radially protruding lip extending circumferentially about a circumference of the transverse ends of the inner bushing. The bicycle of claim 28, wherein the radially projecting lip of the inner bushing extends radially beyond an outer periphery of the outer bushing such that the outer bushing is transversely spaced from the second frame component against which the inner bushing is fixedly mounted. The bicycle of claim 24, wherein the inner bushing has a greater hardness and / or rigidity than the outer bushing. The bicycle of claim 24, wherein both the inner and outer bushes define a generally channel-shaped cross-sectional profile.

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